Searching The Rinjani Summit
Chasing danger on the way to the volcano in Lombok
Rice fields in Lombok island
One of the most popular islands in the world, Bali, is always overcrowded but Indonesia has many other islands kept still as secret paradises for the multitude. Lombok is especially one to remember. The atmosphere is intense as the land has suffered quite a lot in recent years due to the latest eruption of its volcano in 2010, Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano (3,726 m) in Indonesia. And also a destructive earthquake in August 2018. It looks destroyed in many areas but the main road is in pretty acceptable conditions.
Departing from Bali, you will take a fast boat to Gili islands and then Lombok. At the port, everyone will try to make you rent a scooter bike or to buy a tour, my personal suggestion is to may sure of renting the bike.
Gili island
Gili islands are good for party mode.
Gili island
Soon as you get there you can enjoy beautiful beaches all along the way.
A man smoking a cigarette before go fishing
The main road will take you in a couple of hours to a small village where you can start climbing the mountain. Blue Mountain hostel is near to the alternative entrance because the official entrance of this national park was closed by the government and is illegal to enter under your own risk. The earthquake was strong enough to cut the access to the inner lake in the volcano crater.
To start your journey you have to be aware of landslides and tremors. If you are brave enough you can keep going on this amazing adventure.
Start before dawn and carry a lot of water, some food and try to be light otherwise it will be painful.
The path shows some odd trees, cacao plantations, and volcanic floor
Be careful because the floor is slippery mostly when it rains and there can be landslides.
Mount Rinjani
Be happy to see animals of all kinds, mainly monkeys which are friendly here but easy to scare, if you want, you can leave fruits for them but don't forget to take your garbage, plastic or waste with you. We need to keep clean the environment.
Macaque monkey resting
You can achieve the rim and the summit after 5 to 6 hours walking from the road.
Panoramic view from the summit
If you want, camp at night and enjoy a starry night. Because it is at a high altitude, it is cold at night. It can be dangerous, however, I recommend you not to miss that incredible show.
A view from the rim to the lake Segara Anak